Ipchun (eul) 1795

The door opened when he answered Hong-do's call.

"Before you say anything, Suk-kwon's man has not return yet. I came by to see if you are awake," said Hong-do, anticipating his question. He closed the door quickly before pointing at Yunbok's chin. "I can see you are very distracted, tidy up that...beard."

Dismayed, Yunbok clapped a hand to his chin and hurriedly checked himself in the small mirror he brought along in his pack. The beard was crooked. He had been careless when he washed his face for the water had diluted the glue.

"Troublesome, isn't it?" Hong-do grinned as he watched Yunbok peeled it off, dried his face thoroughly and excess water from the false beard. "I presume you "tidy" it up daily?"

"Every morning," affirmed Yunbok, swiftly preparing the glue and attaching the beard. "But I was not paying attention earlier and the water soaked through." He checked himself in the mirror before closing up the packs. "I'm thinking of having an accident to remove it on this trip."

"What kind of accident?" Hong-do peered at him carefully, gesturing that he turned his head side to side before nodding in satisfaction. The process of preparation and attaching it was surprisingly quick but he could only surmise it was Yunbok's experience with it that made it look easy.

"An oversight. Like getting too close to a fire that burned it off."

"That's innovative and dangerous." Hong-do broke off when someone called at the door. "Ah, breakfast, I asked the servant to deliver it here." He waited until the servant had left before gesturing to Yunbok he should tuck in. "I've already had mine."

"Where is Suk-kwon? Why are we not leaving yet? I thought you said we are setting off early," Yunbok said some time later when his hunger pangs were sated.

"He went to the Sohn residence because that's where he told his man to go to after his visit. He also said we can move off a little later since we are all tired," Hong-do motioned to Yunbok to hear him out. "The procession will not leave so early because the King has to deal with petitions here. There's no reason to run ourselves into the ground."

"Isn't it rather odd for you to be dropping in on a junior officer?" Yunbok accepted the explanations for the delay allowed him to rest more fully.

"They can just assume we are friends or getting to know each other, what do I care what they think?" snorted Hong-do.

"It seems that you are throwing caution to the winds," observed Yunbok.

He had been immensely astonished that Suk-kwon made no objection to Hong-do publicly getting him involved with his task. Surely any observer from the faction would immediately report this oddity. The only plausible explanation he could come up with was that Hong-do had done it a few times on other occasions through the years. In which case, there was nothing to turn up when the faction looked into those occurrances. Would they overlook this instance?

"What is so untoward in being friends with junior officers?" huffed Hong-do for he was annoyed with the need to limit contact with Yunbok. He felt that there would no such opportunity to associate with Yunbok this closely any more and wished to spend as much time with him as possible before they leave for their own spheres again.

"Fine, fine, if anything calamitous happen, I can blame it on you," Yunbok said wryly. "Have you given further thought to the procession layout?"

"No ideas yet. That reminds me." Hong-do lowered his voice further. "He said preparations are underway when I saw him the day before."

"Where are we suppose to go after this?"

"I don't know, he never said."

"Can it be I will stay at your house?" Yunbok nearly laughed at Hong-do's horror at that idea. "Maybe he wants me to pretend to be an old uncle come to visit."

"You won't pass for an old man, no wrinkles," grinned Hong-do. "And I have no uncles that would look as you do."

"Nephew then, I'd really like to take a good look at your wife," Yunbok said slyly.

"Scandalous, scandalous! I'll haul you up for trying to seduce her if I find you with her."

"But that'll only happen if she thinks I'm more handsome than you."

Grabbing an empty bowl from the soban, Yunbok used it as a shield when Hong-do took hold of the spoon to whack him. A cough at the door interrupted them. Suk-kwon shook his head reprovingly at them as he sized up the scene before him when he opened the door. Trust the two to forget where they were and what they should be doing. If they did not look to themselves, the deception would be uncovered.

The grim glint in Suk-kwon's eyes drained the jocund atmosphere swiftly. Yunbok plopped the bowl back on the soban as Hong-do replaced the spoon. "What did you find?" he asked.

"He did not manage to get into the village. The soldiers posted there stopped him. They told him the villagers are under investigation for committing theft. A portion of the military provisions stored in town are missing. There is reason to believe the villagers are responsible because of they are showing signs of insurgency in their recent activities."

"I presume they did not bother to explain just what these activities were?" Hong-do said. "Besides the theft, if that is true."

"No. My subordinate tried to get in by pretending he is a relative from another province. They refused him entry and directed him to ask persmission from the magistrate. There is no sign of the villagers themselves."

"Can they be holding some of them hostage to ensure good behaviour from the rest?" Yunbok suggested. Worry creased his brow. Was Young-joon and P'ado among the hostages?

"It's possible. This is what I am going to do. You and the rest proceed to Hawseong Fortress while I continue on my patrol. I will pass by that village and pretend to be securing the area. They should not reject my demands to inspect the place." Suk-kwon was confident he would not be denied.

"What if you find them imprisoned?" Yunbok did not think he would be able to bring them away.

"My hands are tied for the moment. I cannot do anything besides confirming they are there. I can get word to my superiors." Suk-kwon hoped nothing untoward happened in the interim.

Yunbok was more worried that the magistrate would somehow arrange the disappearance of the villagers. If he did so, how would he explain it to the the people of Siheung, his superior? Could the excuse of the theft be admissible as the reason for such a drastic measure? Would he use the debt as an excuse?

"Might not the magistrate hold a farcical trial and condemned all those people? I'm sure no one knows what's happening in that village," he said.

"I think he will hold off for a while. He has to avoid further complications should word leak out. Holding them pending investigation is justifiable," Suk-kwon pointed out. "He'll wait for the King to return to Hanseong before making any move. We have time. There is one other thing my subordinate has to do. He has to make a complaint. If he does nothing, it will draw attention."

"That is true," nodded Yunbok. "It will also serve as a deterrent if the matter is not as suppressed as they thought. There is also one other thing to consider."

"What is that?"

"Where Young-joon and P'ado would be if they are not at the village at all." Yunbok leaned forward anxiously at that thought. "They might have escaped. If this family friend also went with them, where would they go?"

"I think he might lead them to hide at the safest place he knows," said Hong-do.

"Which can be anywhere," frowned Suk-kwon. "It will be foolish of them to stay near the village."

"Would they go to Hwaseong Fortress?" Yunbok suggested.

"They will not be able to get in without the proper identity tablets. All travel to this district is restricted. Anyone who has to be here, whither to petition or on their own errands have already arrived. Not even the tablets they received in Siheung will get them past the gates. At the most, they can shelter at the villages outside," said Suk-kwon.

"Will you be able to send anyone to look for them?" Yunbok quelled the impatience welling up within and the desire to rush to the village to look for himself.

"I'm not sure. Resources are stretched at the moment."

"Will they try to look for us?" put in Hong-do.

"If they attempt Hwaseong Fortress. I hope they will just wait for us to get there instead of trying to find us here."

"Uness they have some other destination in mind," sighed Yunbok.

"One thing at a time. Slowly," Sun-kwon put up a finger in emphasis. "Too much, too soon will get us nowhere." He nodded in the direction of the city where echoes of drums and nabal could be heard. "The procession has arrived. We have to set off. I will take the patrol to the village," he said, getting to his feet and vanished down the corridor through the open door. They could hear him hollering to the men.

"I'll get old master Shin," Hong-do said and vanished up the corridor.

Yunbok made a quick check around the room to make sure he had not left anything behind, belted on the sword and went out to the courtyard with his packs. The magistrate's son came to see them off. A seemingly agreeable fellow altogether but appearances could be deceiving.

They made their way to the southern gates using the small paths, skirting the crowds that packed the main streets. The atmosphere was charged with an air of festive gaiety and excitement. Much was made of the displayed prowess of the jangyongyeong, armed with gleaming rifles, marching tall and steadfast. Colours from the uniforms and banners were bright and heady, infusing zest to the general mood as a huge crowd gathered to listen to what the King had to say. Several took up the courage to venture their opinions and suggestions when invited to do at Jeongjo's behest. Heady was their awe and respect when their words were not brushed aside. Ah, was there ever a King more deserving of their affections!

The small troop made it to the gates before the procession. They moved on to the Sinjangno leading to Hwaseong Fortress. With a wave, Suk-kwon led the patrol down the path leading to the southern villages. Yunbok gazed after him and wished he could join him in his search. It would calm his anxieties greatly. Would the Siheung soldiers stop him? Doing so would call attention to themselves, especially during this time when the King's security was the priority. No, they would not try to impede Suk-kwon, he decided. If the two were not there. If they make an attempt for Suwon, they might probably run into them along the way. A nudge from Hong-do turned his attention to the notes the older man handed to him to peruse.

The little group ambled their way slowly along the road, the soldiers enjoying the sights and smells of spring. After the cold of winter, the warmth of the sun and gentle breeze was balm to their spirits. Flowers were budding, adding hues to the fresh green grasses springing up. Insects flitted and bumbled along as was their wont. Far far distant behind them, they could hear the procession. Now and then, they would sight patrols ranging parallel to the road. One crossed their path but they were unchallenged when the officer of the patrol saw the banner and merely waved to Yunbok. They went past the royal encampments at the midpoint between Siheung and Suwon. They stopped at a jumak that served as a checkpoint. Troops of watchful soldiers were stationed here.

They took their midday rest. The tavern keeper serving them free snacks provided by the army. Her jumak was a rest stop for the patrols, she explained. The officer of the checkpoint joined them, desiring to know if the procession had reached the encampment. He also passed along an advisory issued by the magistrate of Siheung to be on the look out for fugitives from one of the southern villages under suspicion for theft of military provisions. He thought he saw a small group of people crossing the fields yesterday, just after dusk but could not find them. Yunbok tried to find out more about the theft but the officer did not have much to share. Not long after, the officer left on some other errand, leaving Yunbok and Hong-do to worry and to wait for Suk-kwon's arrival.

Were the two among the fugitives? If they managed to evade the patrols, they could be hiding at the villages in Suwon at that moment. How long could they hold out? Yunbok was sure the soldiers at Hwaseong would be on the alert. Sooner or later, the fugitives would be run to ground. Where was Suk-kwon? Hong-do tapped his hand resting on the table, shaking his head when Yunbok looked at him. He was telling him to stay calm, Yunbok knew, but he could not help but fret. When Suk-kwon and his patrol finally appeared, he forced himself to stay where he was. He waited till the older man had his meal.

Suk-kwon pretended to smooth his beard and spoke under the cover of his hand. "They're not there."

"The magistrate issued an alert for fugitives from the southern village, for the theft of military provisions," Yunbok said blandly, his clenched fist under the table relaxing a little. "The officer of the checkpoint said he saw some people crossing the fields at dusk yesterday."

"Ah," Suk-kwon nodded, as he mentally thought of the routes between the checkpoint and Hwaseong Fortress.

"Are you taking the patrol around the villages at Suwon?" Hong-do murmured, pretending to check the bottom of his cup for tea leaf residues.

"Do you require a distant view of Hwaseong Fortress, sir?" Yunbok said in normal tones, his eyes rolling to the sides to indicate the soldiers of the checkpoint behind him.

Hong-do caught on swiftly and agreed heartily. "Yes, indeed. I need a good view of the fortress. There is after all, a drill scheduled the day after. I am sure there are good vantage points. I must ask the magistrate at Suwon."

"To find the best place, sir, we should set off as soon as possible," Suk-kwon boomed and got up.

The rest followed suit. The troop was swiftly assembled and they continued on to Hwaseong Fortress. Once the checkpoint was far behind, the other two closed in on Suk-kwon to find out the situation at Saemal.

"They were reluctant to let me conduct my inspection but gave in when I threatened to bring all of them before a tribunal for insubordination. I was not able to speak freely to the villagers but they admitted to the theft. They said it was instigated by Ui-sik whose purpose it was to try to have the magistrate called up to explain his failure to ensure security but it did not turn out the way they expected."

"I take it Ui-sik is not among the villagers?" Yunbok was sure if the man was able to come up with such a plan, he would also have the wits to get away as well. "Did they say anything about his having visitors?"

"No, this Ui-sik is not among the villagers. They did say a man and a boy came to visit him so we must presume he took Young-joon and P'ado with him, along with his wife and son."

"Wife and son. The trek will be difficult," observed Hong-do.

"On foot and having to evade patrols, will they be slower than us?" Yunbok looked at the fields around them. Three distant hills formed a rough triagonal with Suwon at the base to the south-east. Would they go around or over?

"They have a day's start. They might be near Suwon. When we arrive at Hwaseong Fortress tomorrow, master Danwon should go to the magistrate to ask for the best vantage point outside, down south," Suk-kwon said to Hong-do who nodded. "You can also say you'll like to take a look from the vantage points of the nearby villages and asked if there would be problems, he should tell you if they have been discovered."

"If he say some fugitives have been captured?" Yunbok said grimly.

"Wait," Hong-do made a slow-down gesture. "Whether they are found or not, I can try to see him at Hwaseong and raise this matter."

"That is the best solution," Yunbok paused. "A moment, you should have said something to him when you returned to Hanseong. Or at least mentioned that incident outside Siheung."

"I know, I know but I was preoccupied by the enormity of the task and the assistant they insisted I should take that I forgot all about it. I had to see him quickly that night to let him know why I chose him," Hong-do nodded towards Han-pyeong riding on the far side of Yunbok. Thus far, Han-pyeong had not said a single word since they left Siheung, only watched curiously. Having no idea what was going on, he kept his peace and listened. "There was little to go on at that time. With no evidence to present, was I supposed to provide idle gossip?"

Yunbok took umbrage at that statement. "A woman was bullied and her child threatened, that's idle gossip?!"

"Hold on before both of you fly at each other," Suk-kwon said quickly. "Master Danwon has a point. He needs a stronger valid case than just that incident, that's what he meant. He just chose his words badly."

"Indeed, I could have used better words, " Hong-do said apologetically which cooled Yunbok's temper considerably. "The plan we agreed on before was sound, without having to apply to him for his personal attention. But now that it seems to be spiralling out of proportion, his judgment is needed."

Yunbok accepted his explanation. "There has to be something else other than debts and theft, pursuing payment during this time is atrocious,"

"The answer lies with this Ui-sik." Suk-kwon patted the neck of his horse as it snapped in irritation at the close proximity of Hong-do's horse. "I'm sure of it."

He looked across to Yunbok who sighed in agreement. It was no surprise that there would be problems with Hak-sun's friend. It was what he feared the moment he learned P'ado was to find this man. He had hoped it would be an ordinary quest. He never liked it when his misgivings borne fruit. All he could hope for was that they could retrieve the two before anything untoward befall them.

Outskirts of Hwaseong Fortress

"Down!"

The whispered warning dropped Young-joon to the ground, grateful for the rest and fearful for his safety all at once. He lost count of how many times he had staggered to his feet, lifted his burden to walk only to meet the ground several paces later. This had been happening more and more frequently ever since that last patrol saw them from a distance yesterday. Luckily for them, it was dusk and the light was fading, making it easier for them to evade the soldiers. If it had been in the bright of day, they would have been discovered. As he lay there, he wondered what Su-dae and the children were doing back home. How he missed them.

This trip was the longest he had ever been away from them and it was turning into disaster. Even so, he had no regrets for volunteering to help his friend. What was Yunbok doing now? The royal procession would have begun. Did everything go off smoothly? Was he aware of the current difficulty he was in? He was sure Kyoung-mi and Jeong-hyang would have raised the alarm when he failed to return with P'ado. What would they do? Tired, he was so tired. They had been walking for a night and a day, with brief rests in between. Hampered by the wounded man, they had not made fast progress. Was Ui-sik planning to have them continue? He was not sure he would be able to withstand the strain.

"The ground dips on our right with a small grove of trees, let's rest a while there," whispered Ui-sik on his right, grasping their prisoner by his good arm. Those were words Young-joon had been waiting to hear.

"Let me do it, ajoshi, you help ajumma," said P'ado behind him, seeing his trembling weariness. "It's my turn to carry him."

Young-joon pushed himself to his feet and made his way to Song-mi without a word. He helped her down into the hollow before settling down himself against the trunk of a tree. Hunger gnawed at him but he had no appetite for food, he was too weary to eat. All he wanted to do was sleep.

"How far," he mumbled once they set the wounded man down.

"We are near. That last patrol did not even come close." Wiping away the sweat from his eyes, Ui-sik took a sip from his water container before raising it before their prisoner's eyes. "Not one sound," he warned before removing the gag and letting him have a drink.

"I want to go..," the complaint from Jinjia was cut off abruptly as Song-mi covered his mouth, shushing him.

"Hush, you have to stay quiet. It's only for a while longer," she pleaded softly, handing the boy water and a bite to eat to occupy him.

"Master Han, you have to drink," urged Ui-sik, gagging the prisoner again before moving to Young-joon's side. "Even a sip will do. Here, just a small mouthful, don't swallow too quickly, just keep it in your mouth for a while." He lifted Young-joon's water container to his lips. "If you do not drink, you will feel very sick," he said as Young-joon followed the advice. "We will rest here for a while. P'ado, are you able to keep awake for a while yet?"

"Yes, ajoshi, I can," P'ado mumbled softly, around a mouthful of tteok.

"The rest of us will sleep. You only need to keep your ears open for any patrol, don't look over the top no matter what you hear." Ui-sik pointed to the top of the hollow they were in before turning his attention back to Young-joon and Song-mi, making sure they ate something before they slept. Checking the bonds on the prisoner, he ungaged him again to give him a tteok and replaced it once he was done before taking his own rest, telling P'ado to wake him once the shadow of the tree he was leaning against reached a certain point.

Silence fell over the small group. P'ado checked the prisoner again, lightly touching his brow for the man was visibly running a fever. Ui-sik had set the broken arm but admitted there would be problems as he had no medicine to give. It was the first time he had caused grievous hurt to someone. P'ado wished he had been in control of himself that night but he was in such fear that he had used all his strength on that arm. What was he to do if the man died? Even if the man was treasonous and would have been executed, still, he wished it was not by his hands. How did his father deal with such matters? How was it he could murder on the orders of other people? What was on his mind when someone died beneath his hands? P'ado stared at his own hands and shook himself, rubbing his arms as gooseflesh rose. He wanted to go home, forget what had occurred, continue with his simple life but he knew he would never forget. He wished he could talk to Suk-kwon or Yunbok.

They had such encounters before, they would be able to tell him. There was that incident many years ago when some bad men kidnapped omoni. He was too young to remember but he heard the story from the other boys. Aboji had confronted the bad man but did not kill him. What had gone through his mind? Surely he was angry enough to kill for what the evil man did to omoni but he did not. The man was not innocent but aboji could not find it in his heart to take the man's life whereas abonim reaped without a thought. To get money. This thought had been gnawing away at him ever since he woke up to the reality of how an assassin operated. The more he think of it, the deeper his disappointment. Angrily, he thumped the ground with his fist. He wished he did not have such a father. If Hak-sun was alive, he did not think he would acknowledge him.

The sound of hoofs and tramp of boots splintered his thoughts. He nearly rose to his feet to peep over the edge of the hollow before he remembered Ui-sik's warning. With bated breath, he crouched, listening keenly. If the sounds come any nearer, he would wake Ui-sik. There was a command to halt. The footsteps ceased. P'ado held his breath, afraid they would hear him, irrational as it was.

The jingle of harness. The soft snorting of the horse. Screwing his eyes shut, he prayed silently. Another jingle and a command to move out. It was when he could only hear the soft calls of the birds that he released his pent up breath. He stayed where he was, squishing the temptation to look as his senses went on the alert for the presence of other human intruders. The shadows move slowly. At the appointed time, he woke Ui-sik and took his own rest, completely exhausted for he was on edge all the while.

It was dusk when Ui-sik shook him awake. The others were awake. Both Young-joon and Song-mi looked better than they did before. While they had another small meal, Ui-sik slipped out of the hollow to reconnoiter their route. Stilling his yawns, P'ado had a drink and another tteok. He checked the prisoner who was unconscious. The fever seemed to have gotten worse. He looked up as Ui-sik returned.

"Ajoshi, he's in bad shape," he whispered.

"I know. It is a serious fracture and infection has set in. It's not your fault, you have to do it," Ui-sik said soothingly as stricken regret glinted in P'ado's eyes. "Once we make it down the south-eastern slope, we'll be on the outskirts of Hwaseong Fortress. My friend's village is near, we can make it there by dawn."

"Are you sure he will shelter us? He must know we are fugitives," Young-joon voiced his doubts again.

"Master Han, he will. We have to go now." Ui-sik gestured to him to take up their burden again.

"Omma, I want to go home," Jinjia grumbled.

"Shhh, by the morning, you can sleep all you like. For now we must follow aboji." Song-mi picked the boy up and followed the others. "You must stay quiet."

"So bad men will not come take us away?"

"Yes, so you must not shout or cry."

P'ado wondered if the boy would obey as he looked at him. Jinjia blinked at him sleepily, lay his head on Song-mi's shoulder and fell asleep. Well, that certainly settled the question. He stayed near her in case she stumbled. Without the light of any torches, they had to rely on whatever light there was from the moon. The faint gleams from the windows of the village they could see in the distance guided their feet. Their progress was agonizingly slow but step by step, they made it to the bottom of the hill.

"Wait," Ui-sik said as he peered in the direction of the village. "Let's go over to the wall of that field," he pointed ahead of them, looking all around them carefully before heaving the unconscious man up with Young-joon. They reached the wall safely and got the man over it. They waited till P'ado joined them with Song-mi.

"Stay here, I'll see if it is safe ahead. If it is, I'll come back with my friend."

"One moment." Young-joon caught hold of Ui-sik's arm as he was about to leave. "Up until now, we have been depending upon your confidence that this friend will help. What if he does not or if something happens to you while you're over there in the village?"

"It is true as you say, any of those things can happen. If it does, your options are to get yourselves arrested or try to find a way to get the King's attention."

"That's it?!" Young-joon nearly shouted. "We're stuck out here in the open, how do you suppose we have a chance with the second option, if there is even any such alternative?"

"There is a third. Continue to journey down south, wait until the furor is over be..," Ui-sik broke off as Young-joon muttered imprecations under his breath. "I'm truly sorry, master Han ..."

"P'ado and I are innocent. We should have stayed where we were."

"They will try to silence you because the villagers will point to me as the mastermind of the theft. By association, you are guilty." Ui-sik knew he was only adding on to Young-joon's vulnerabilities and anger at his predicament but it was the truth.

P'ado listened quietly, nodding to himself in agreement with that last statement. No matter who was in Saemal, he was automatically marked for the same fate as the villagers. Whether anyone knew of the plot to poison the King was irrelevant. He gave a start when Ui-sik addressed him.

"P'ado, I need you to come a little way with me so that if anything happens, you can come here quickly and get them away."

"Yes, ajoshi."

Silently, he followed the older man across the field, peering ahead. There was still only the glimmer of lights from the distant houses and further beyond, torches on the walls of the fortress, barely discernable sparks against the grey sky. They went over the wall and crossed another field and another. Ui-sik put up a hand when they were at the wall bordering the last house. Motioning to P'ado to keep his head down, he lifted his head cautiously. The main road seemed empty, saved for a couple of dogs roaming about. Bending his mouth to P'ado's ear, he whispered some instructions before following the wall to the back of the last house.

Working his way across the backyard of the house, he reached the vegetable patch and followed the short fence, across the courtyard to the entrance. He waited and listened before looking round the corner. He snatched his head back hurriedly for there was a soldier coming down the road. Flattening himself against the wall next to the entrance, he waited, hoping P'ado would stay still.

A soft tread and a cough. He leaned forward to see the back of the soldier as he walked past. He darted across the entrance and waited some more. After some time the soldier retraced his steps. He bided his time until the soldier was a distance away from the next house that was his objective. As he took a step, he froze when he realised one of the dogs was approaching him. If it raised the alarm, all was lost. He could not do anything to silence the animal for that would also rouse attention. Praying silently, he closed his eyes as the dog sniffed at him and whined. To his relief, it trotted away into the courtyard. Quickly, he made his way to the house diagonally across the road and rapped on the front door in a series of numbered taps. He waited and repeated it until he heard movement within.

"I need your help, Dae-hyun," he said when the door opened.