Ipchun (eul) 1795
Hyeollyungwon
With measured steps, the palanquin bearers approached the enclosure and bowed their heads. The soldiers, officials that stood all around in their proper ranks followed suit when the King approached the palanquin. He helped Lady Hyegyeong to alight as the court ladies held the cloth of the enclosure opened. They closed it once she had entered. Within, a court lady helped her to sit on the mat that was laid out as the King approached the prepared offering table before the tomb.
Standing at a far distance, the trio watched the ceremony began before the Hyeollyungwon. Yun-bok with a distracted air, Hong-do squinted intensely as he sketched while Suk-kwon ruminated on the tragic end of Prince Sado. None of the three noticed Han-pyeong standing to the side, his grieving attention focused beyond to the northern horizon. After a while, as seongmyo commenced, they removed themselves from their vantage point, picked up the troop they had left at the bottom of the hill and wound their way past the files of Jangyongyeong stationed thickly along the road leading down to the fortress.
"Are you making another round to the villages?" Yunbok said to Suk-kwon softly.
"I'll likely run into other patrols," Suk-kwon said absently as he rubbed at an ache on a shoulder. "It will be harder to search."
"Young-joon would be hoping that we are looking for them." Yunbok did not think his friend would sit around waiting if he could do something. "He might try to reach us."
"If they are already here, all the patrols going on day and night will make them hole up even tighter. How can they tell which patrol is ours unless they come out to look?" Turning his head and shoulder in circles, Suk-kwon tried to relieve the ache. "I was shouting myself hoarse yesterday, hoping that if they were around, they would recognise my voice and give me some sign of their presence but nothing happened."
"What else can we do?" Yunbok tried his best to figure out what Young-joon's plans. With an unknown determinant, it was proving difficult. "Do you suppose they will lie low until the King returns to Hanseong? The patrols will abate and they will be abe to come out."
"You're thinking they will try to head down to Gyeongsang province?" Hong-do frowned. "That might be the wisest course but the best move there is for Young-joon is to write to his father and have him look into the matter."
"If they can hold out that long."
"If I may," a soft voice broke in, startling them. They looked to the left to see Han-pyeong gesturing hesitantly. "We can spend the morrow at plausible villages to take some drafts."
Was Han-pyeong even paying attention to what was going on? Having informed him on what the trouble was the night before, Hong-do was irked by the man's incumbent proclivity.
"We don't have time to loiter at the villages. The King has scheduled events while he is here and we have to take down notes!"
The annoyance in Hong-do's voice shut Han-pyeong up immediately and he was instantly sorry. It was churlish of him to respond so to an old man, despite his grievences with him. Han-pyeong's perpetual mournful presence was a constant irritant. He wished he had stamped his foot down, refused an assistant and behaved like a boorish autocrat at that conference. Glancing side to side at the stationed Jangyongyeong, he regretted his outburst further.
"We already tried that yesterday, making a round to the southern and western villages. That was all the time we have," he modulated his voice so that it was barely audible.
"Young-joon might try to get a message back to Jeong-hyang," Yunbok said evenly, ignoring the outburst.
"That's all we can hope for. You are not going with the painters to the banquet are you?" Suk-kwon winced as he inadvertantly pulled a tendon.
"Not a good idea," admitted Yunbok.
With most of the government officials attending, the chances of his running into an old colleague was too high. He knew Jang Hyo-won was one of the many court painters who would be present. Despite the years, he just might be able to recognize him.
"They don't need an escort so I will accompany you on the patrols."
"All right, we'll split up to cover more ground. I'll take the western village, you take the south-western. We'll meet up at the Paldalmun. Cheol-ju," Suk-kwon halted and waved the man forward. "Take twelve to accompany the jungwi. The rest will follow me."
Cheol-ju nodded, turned and gestured to the file on his left. The men separated accordingly. At a quicker pace, Suk-kwon's group soon vanished down the road. Yunbok left Hong-do and Han-pyeong at the Sinpungnu, he did not think he had to escort them all the way into the Bongsudang where Lady Hyegyong's birthday banquet was held. After arranging to meet in the early afternoon since the Fortress Drill was to take place in the late afternoon, he led the little troop back to the Paldalmun. It seemed to him that every nook and corner of the city was filled with military personnel, keenly vigilant as the residents went about their business. The Sipjagaro was teeming with people hurrying to buy what they needed for the shops would only be opened half a day.
The little troop slowed to a crawl before making better headway as they pulled away from the market road. Once past the Paldalmun, they went down the south-western path. Would he have the luck to run into them, Yunbok wondered as he looked across the fields where men were tilling the soil. His eyes narrowed as he watched them. Would they hide themselves among the workforce or stay cooped up at whatever shelter they had found?
The village they approached was quiet. Villagers were busy preparing the thatch and repairing the roofs of their houses. The village chief went up to him attentively when the troop halted at the sacred knoll tree of the village at the entrance to report that no strangers had been seen. Yunbok nodded but said he would just take a look around. The village chief nodded agreeably as he dismounted.
Dispatching the rest of the men to check other houses and one to care for the horse, he walked down the main road of the village with Cheol-ju, looking into the courtyard of each house. A quick glance from the villgers was the only response before they continued with their chores, preparing farming tools, barley seeds and making rain ponchos. The sight of the activities made Yunbok homesick.
None of the villagers was put out by the sight of soldiers. To them, they were just another patrol. There were so many that they became a common sight and roused little alarm. A couple of dogs came up but with so many bewildering strangers going in and out, they simply gave him the complimentary little wags of their tails before slinking back to their own territory. He supposed every living thing in the villages around Hwaseong would be sick and tired of the to-ing and fro-ing of soldiers before the week was out.
They walked past the last house and reached the low wall bordering the fields. He stared contemplatively at the distant hill. If they had come in that direction, this would be the village they first came to. Did they stop here or simply moved on? If they were in the village, how would they hide? Turning around, he stared at the village. All of the houses were uniformed; two rooms, kitchen, outhouse, ash shed and so on. Would there be a secret room? He recalled the underground room Suk-kwon had led him to years ago. Was there one in this village? Who would have such a room? Why? This person was not likely to be any agent of Suk-kwon's or his ilk.
Deep in thought, he began to walk back up the road. A wind blew. A small scrap of paper tumbled out of the courtyard of a house and would have continued on its journey but for his foot which impeded its progress. Stooping, he picked it up and froze when he glanced at it. How did it come to be there? He held it up to the light, scrutinising it carefully as Cheol-ju looked on curiously. It was a replica, he was sure of it. Not his original work. Probably someone bought it and what, tore it up? Shaking his head, he crumpled it and continued his walk before halting again.
Who would buy a replica of Dano? Villagers usually had no time to spare or inclination to spend on such paintings. He looked at the paper in his hand. Could it be..? He looked up when there came the sound of running footsteps. It was one of the villagers.
"Sir, we caught someone not of this village sneaking around behind one of the houses," he said, gesturing to the village entrance. "The village chief asks if you would come take a look."
Was it Young-joon? He hurried to the entrance with Cheol-ju. Gathered at the knoll tree was a crowd. His heart sank when he saw another patrol. The officer of the other patrol nodded to him as he made his way through the crowd and continued his interrogation of someone. He was astonished to see the woman he had encountered outside Siheung sitting on the ground with her son. What was she doing here? Recognition flared in her eyes when she saw him. She hid it quickly.
"I don't think you are alone, where are the others?" the officer asked sternly. "How long have you been hiding in this village?" He shifted impatiently when she kept silent. "Very well then, we will search every house. I will need your help," he said to Yunbok who had to agree. "Have your men search the east end, I'll take the other."
Nothing for it but to comply. The house from where the paper had come from was in the west, he was sure Young-joon and the rest were in that house. If that woman was with them, they would surely know she was missing and keep themselves hidden. He could only pray they had the wits to do so as he directed all the villagers to gather at the tree. Everyone's identity was checked as the soldiers conducted their search. The tense atmosphere relaxed slightly when all the soldiers reported there was nothing to be found.
"Are you alone?" Yunbok said to the woman, trying to clue her in what answer she should give. "Did the others move on?"
"Speak!" the other officer rapped out impatiently when she remained silent.
"My son was naughty and roamed about without my knowledge. I came to look for him. I don't know where my husband has gone to," she said finally.
"Without a doubt, you are one of the wanted fugitives from Siheung," the officer said. "Your husband will not have gone far. He will not abandon his wife and son. In the meantime, as per orders from the Siheung magistrate, you will be remanded pending further investigation. Escort her back to Hwaseong," he pointed to two of his men.
Yunbok kept his peace for it was not the time to intervene. Even if he wanted to, he had no viable excuse to use. The woman cast a swift imploring look at him before moving off with the soldiers. What was she trying to tell him? There was no time to ponder for the officer wanted his aid in looking further beyond. They sent the men to search the fields while they looked into the few solitary huts mostly used by farmers to store some of their produce. All turned up empty, to Yunbok's relief.
By the time they returned to the village, it was past midday so they returned to Hwaseong. Along the way, the officer opinioned that the husband and the rest might have escaped to the nearby hill so that was where he would look later. It would not be easy so he would enlist the help of the other patrols. Perhaps he would have the fugitives rounded up before the military drill. That would be an accomplishment to look foward to. Yunbok made some noncommittal remark and wished him good hunting as they parted ways at the Paldalmun. Suk-kwon, he saw, was already at the gates chatting to one of the officers.
"You took long enough," Suk-kwon waved to Yunbok. "We're getting really hungry," he complained as those within earshot grinned.
"A little matter came up, sir," Yunbok said mildly which belied the tension in him.
"Tell me about it." Without changing his easy manner, Suk-kwon waved to the troop. They fell into line and made their way to the barracks.
"One of the fugitives was found in the village I was patrolling. A search was made but it seems that she is alone," Yunbok placed a stronger emphasis on the word as Suk-kwon listened expressionlessly. "An expanded search of the surroundings also yielded nothing. The officer of the other patrol is planning to scout the nearest hill to the west in the belief that the rest can be found there."
"His assumption is misplaced," murmured Suk-kwon, twitching his brows at Yunbok who nodded in tacit agreement. Neither of them think Young-joon and the others would take to the hills. "Who is this fugitive that was caught?"
"Do you remember the woman we rescued outside Siheung?"
"Indeed!" Suk-kwon's eyebrows shot up in astonishment. "Hmm, this warrants some interrogation. After lunch." He patted his stomach ruefully.
Why not now? Yunbok bit back the query for he was sure Suk-kwon had a reason for not heading straight for the prison. What was the usual procedure when someone was arrested? He did not have the slightest idea. The closest brush he had with jail was in Hanseong. He was simply shown to a prison cell. There was not any need for inquiry when his crime was witnessed by the King and every official at the Injeongjeon. For the woman, perhaps some official would questioned her further. If so, they should not be there.
The midday break was a moderate affair. Yunbok had to quell the urge to hurry Suk-kwon who commented he should finish his meal or he would not move. Only at the sight of empty bowls did the older man finished the last of his food. There were only the soldiers outside when they went to the prison. The place smelled of fresh wood and straw when they went in. The prison warden pointed to the cells down the corridor when Suk-kwon queried him. She was the only prisoner, they realised when they made their way to the cell. If there were any others, they must have been released in the amnesty granted by the King some time ago. Suk-kwon gestured to his eyes and pointed to either end of the corridor. Yunbok nodded his comprehension. They arranged themselves to look over each other's shoulders as they squated down. Song-mi made her way to the bars of her cell when she saw them.
"Speak softly," Yunbok said, handing her a food package he had brought along. "Are there three others with you?"
"Your benevolence is ever unchanged," she smiled as she accepted the food, a light in her eyes. "Master Han and your son, P'ado, is with my husband."
Her first statement was extremely puzzling but Yunbok ignored it to put forth the more urgent ones of his own. "Where are they now? If they are hiding, why did you come out?"
"It is as I've said, my son wandered away. I panicked." Song-mi looked down at Jinjia who only stared at the visitors curiously. "So I left our hiding place to look for him."
"I presume they're staying in somebody's house...a secret room?" said Yunbok.
She nodded. It was as he had suspected. Yunbok did not feel any better. A secret room implied clandestine activities. Who was this person?
"We have been trying to locate them. Why did they not try to contact us when we went to the village?"
"Master Han thought you would attempt to but there are so many patrols, it is too dangerous to loiter in the house so we stayed in the secret room."
"What plan did they come up with? Are they going to hide until the King returns to Hanseong?"
"My husband plans to get into Hwaseong to try to appeal to the King."
Get into Hwaseong? Yunbok exchanged a incredulous glance with Suk-kwon. He motioned for silence when he saw movement over Suk-kwon's shoulder and indicated they should get up. Just in time. The official who strode in with an annoyed expression demanded to know what they were doing there and cut off Suk-kwon abruptly as he was about to offer the excuse he had prepared. They had better things to do than loiter around the prison so they should remove themselves and see to their duties, the official continued.
They had to obey so they bowed before leaving, Yunbok quickly gestured to Song-mi she should hide the food package properly, fearing this pompous official would confiscate it. The official spared not a glance at her and left after them as she watched. If only she had been a little faster in her account, she was sure something would be done but she was caught in up in her memories when she saw Yunbok that she had not thought time was of essence. Would the little she revealed to them be enough?
"When have you been bestowing benevolence?" Suk-kwon said once they were back at the little room assigned to them at the barracks, examining Yunbok minutely. "Have you been unfaithful?"
"What?" Preoccupied with other matters, Yunbok looked confused for a moment. "Are you mad? That's a silly question!"
"Is it? The first time we encountered her, she looked at you as if she knew you and accepted what you offered despite her mistrust. Her statement just now again showed that she's no stranger to you."
"She's not another Kyoung-mi if that's what you're thinking of. She does look familiar to me but I cannot remember where or when I could have met her," admitted Yunbok uneasily, a feeling that he should nibbling away "That's not important," he lowered his voice. "If what she says is true, the only time they can come in is tonight. The civil defense exercise will be chaotic at best, there will be no time to check identities."
"It is also impossible for us to intercept them. We are still stuck," Suk-kwon murmured, sitting meditatively with eyes closed. "Whichever local is helping them must also know a safe location within the city."
"Do you suppose it's one of the few farmlands within the fortress?"
"Hard to say but it's possible. Security will be more stringent tomorrow and checks redoubled. They won't even try show a hair until it's time for them to move."
"Considering the planned events, which one offers the best opportune time?"
Opening his eyes, Suk-kwon ticked them off on his fingers. "The archery contests? Distribution of rice? Banquet for the elderly? Inspection of the fortress?"
"I'm thinking rice distribution and inspection. Both of those are at avenues that provided a little more accessibility than the others. Should we leave it up to them instead of trying to locate them? I don't think either Young-joon or P'ado will attempt the petition. This Ui-sik is the one to carry out whatever he has in mind."
"I wish now more than ever that you have not carried out Hak-sun's wish." Suk-kwon tried to keep his voice from sounding too vex. "Without a doubt, most of his associates are affiliated to a faction."
"I chose this course with open eyes. Irregardless of Hak-sun's loyalties, it is a debt I must repay. What's done is done." Yunbok knew very well how much the older man was against his decision. If he wished to take snippets out of him for all the trouble that was rucked up by it, he would not take offense.
"That stubborn streak of yours never change." Rubbing his eyes, Suk-kwon untied his byeongnip, putting it aside before lying down. "It goes without saying that official who chased us away is either too full of his own importance or an accomplice."
"Hmmm," Yunbok rested his chin on his interlaced hands. "I'm guessing it's the latter."
"We will see what happens in the next few days. We have a little time yet before we meet up with the rest. It will be a long night, we better rest for a while."
A little snore filled the room not long after. Yunbok regarded the older man with amusement and sympathy for it had been a grueling stint ever since they left Uiryeong. Suk-kwon was no longer that young, should it not be time for him to truly retire? The rest of his days should be filled with the peace and the ease of enjoyment of what life had to offer. He regarded the sleeping countenance affectionately; salt and pepper hair and beard fading to silvery-white, lines on the face. With a pang, he realised he should not have counted on the older man to tend to P'ado if matters went awry. It should have been Young-joon but his friend had his own concerns too. Was his decision wrong and selfish?
Blowing out a sigh softly, he removed his jeonnip and lay down, pulling over his sword to finger the dongsimgyeol maedeup. A simple design but with such significance. He sent off another message to her yesterday, hoping to allay her worries. No news of the two was good news, in a way. How would she take to the recent development that he had to stay longer than expected? What kind of arrangements would be made? Would it include accommodations for his family too? Or would they be separated? What would she be doing now? Gently, he tapped the maedeup and smiled to himself for he was sure she would find it stifling to stay at the Sohn residence. No chores. For once, she could relax, as best she could under such circumstances.
Hyangya, if only we could view the beginnings of spring now.
He fell asleep, dreaming of the spring and summer days they had spent together.
Every fingerbreadth of the wall of the fortress seemed to be occupied by a soldier, standing at the ready with his spear or rifle. Over their heads, banners fluttered in the wind as the sun marched onward to its meeting with the horizon. More troops ringed the Seojangdae. Officials were assembled at the clearing of the slope before the great pavilion, spectators and judges of the drill. Spread out across the eastern half of Hwaseong stood the troops that were to drill, awaiting the arrival of the King. To the west of them, the residents of the city gathered. Partly to watch the military drill and also biding their time for they also had their own part to play. The hovering anticipation came to an end when there came a fanfare, announcing the arrival of the King.
Below, a flag went down at the command centre. Another fanfare sounded. At that signal, all the troops faced the Seojangdae and bowed four times. The amassed troops was a sight to behold. The King was pleased. Addressing a minister who waited him, the command was given. With ceremony, the minister walked to the edge of the pavilion and the signal was given. The flag was raised. The troops got to their feet. A flurry of movements was seen as subordinate commanders reported in to their respective general for instructions before returning to their units.
Banners rose into sight as the troops split into two opposing armies before more flags came into view. Drums rolled and a clash of gongs sounded. With a thunderous roar that echoed through the air, the armies moved to engage. The "enemy" trying to overcome the defenders used the buildings of the city to try to outmaneuver the opposing troops. Banners dipped and raised, signalling the units to advance, retreat, to flank, to group accordingly. Shouts rang out as commanders exhorted their men to do their best. The struggle went on and on as both sides fought with equal fervor. Finally, the officials overseeing the outcome of the battle signaled that a result had been reached. A roll of drums and a dipping of a banner brought the drill to an end. There was a pause, as the troops slowly reassembled into their respective units. While the officials, especially those in the military department, carefully compared their notes with one another, the troops took the time to rest.
How did they perform? Who was lacking? Who was in want? What must be improved? They would only know the following day when the King betsow praises or reprimands, pending the performance and outcome of the drill. The rural officers who had waited for many years for promotion hoped they would garner honors.
Standing atop the eastern stretch of the fortress wall, Hong-do drafted as quickly as he could while Han-pyeong took down notes. Busy as he was, he was awe-struck by the spectacle. He had spent long moments watching the fight, mesmerised by the sight. Beside them, both Yunbok and Suk-kwon were harbouring the same. Suk-kwon was sorry he could not participate while Yunbok was trying to imagine what it would be like to fight in such close quarters against so many opponents. Chaotic it should be, with so much noise. How did the soldiers even pay attention to a change in order? If they were caught in the heat of battle, surely they would blind and deaf to all except what was before them. It was just as well he was not taking part.
Another roll of drums and the clash of gongs. Another round of drill was to begin. This time, the soldiers that played as attackers assumed the role of defenders. The clash seemed more fervent and fervid as the winner of the first round sought to win the second as well while the loser was determined to win. The battle surged back and forth as both sides put in every effort they could summon. After what seemed like the longest ongoing tussle, the struggle was brought to an end. Men were visibly heaving for breath as they returned to their units they were separated from in the struggle and stood waiting for further orders. There was a lull. Every commander and general took the time to commend the troops for they had done well. A banner was raised and orders were issued, the troops retreated to their designated zones for the next phase. By this time, the sun had set and darkness fell.
Both Yunbok and Suk-kwon hurried to the Paldalmun, running down to the guard stations as horns blew, drums boomed and gongs rang out from the seobuk-gongsimdon. The Paldalmun Dongjong was struck in measured but incessant beats. All the gates of the fortress opened ponderously as the gathered residents lit torches and streamed to their appointed duties. Outside, prepped for this civil exercise, villagers from the surrounding villages appeared and passed through the gates as orderly a fashion as they could. They reached the posted soldiers that formed a barricade to direct where they should go. There was such a multitude of torches, casting hundreds of shadows that try as Yunbok might, he could not pick out any individual face he could recognise. Looking across to Suk-kwon, he shook his head helplessly. Would the two be able to pick out either him or Suk-kwon instead?
The gates closed once the last of the villagers had entered. More signals were given and torches responded accordingly. On the slope, the promptness of the responses of all was noted down by the officials. The thunder of firing rifles, followed by cannons was deafening. Suddenly, the sky was alight with thousands of fireworks. They bloomed like fiery flowers, casting the glow of their short lifespan against every face that looked up in wonder. A voice shouted and a great roar responded, reverberating around the city and resounded again, bringing to life the confidence, pride and joy of the people in their King and of this new important strategic city.
Sohn Residence, Siheung
"Omoni, will oppa be coming home tomorrow?"
It was the first time of the day the inevitable question appeared. Jeong-hyang bit back a sigh. When her brother failed to return after that day, Pokkot had incessantly asked for answers to his absence and drove Jeong-hyang to distraction. The girl had been admirably disciplined and restraint thereafter. Of course that was after she was given a reprimand. A scolding Jeong-hyang felt was too harsh when she thought about it afterwards. Given that her patience had been tried to the fullest, nevertheless, she felt she ought not to vent her anxieties on the girl.
"I do not know but it will not be for sometime yet," she said gently.
"Oppa never keeps his promises. He said he will bring me to see the shops in the city," an unhappy Pokkot complained as she twirled the small cookpot of the toy set Kyoung-mi had given to her. "When will aboji come back? Aboji always keeps his word, if he doesn't, he always explains."
"You are feeling angry, upset and disappointed now, that's why you exaggerate about oppa. Does he really never fulfill all his promises to you?" Jeongg-hyang chided the girl as she worked on a intricate embroidery. She had chosen it as a means of distracting herself for the stitches were small and required full concentration.
"But where did he go with ajoshi Han?" Pokkot sighed, wishing there were other girls to play with but there was only baby in this household. If only Chang-mi was around.
"You already know the answer to that so I'm not going to repeat myself."
"I wish aboji is here..," the girl plopped herself on the floor, "If he were here, he would bring me to the shops himself. Omoni, when is he coming back?" she asked again as she picked up the stick of charcoal to resume her drawing of a bird.
"I really don't know."
Her stitching slowed as Jeong-hyang thought back to the recent message Yunbok had sent. P'ado and Young-joon had yet to be found but at least they were safe. He had high hopes of locating them and resolving the problem soon. Then there was the task he had to complete but where would he be after this mission at Hwaseong Fortress? He had indicated it would take more than a month. Would she have to continue staying in the Sohn residence while he finished the extra tasks?
The bird was not turning out in a satisfactory fashion. What had she drawn in the wrong way? Frowning, Pokkot stared down at the paper, wishing she could ask Yunbok. Disappointed and bored, she turned on her back, holding out her hands towards the candle and watched the shadows on the wall. Tortoise, bird, duck, rabbit, she frowned as she tried to conjure up a new shape. What was the latest aboji had come up with? She could not remember and stared at her hands. It was not a pig, she knew, it was one of the animals running about the village. A shuffle flit past the door, so slight that anyone would have missed it but her head was turned towards it at that moment. Was there someone at the door? She got up and opened it, looking up and down the dark corridor.
"What is it?" Jeong-hyang wondered what she was looking for.
"I thought I heard someone," Pokkot said, still peering down the corridor.
"It's probably one of the maids."
"But omoni, she can see in the dark? There is no light."
"Most of the people staying here will be familiar with their surroundings so perhaps she doesn't need a light." Jeong-hyang did not think there was anything untoward until the girl gasped. "What is it?"
"I saw someone at the end." Pokkot pointed down the corridor leading to the daecheong. "Omoni, I think he's a thief because he moves so quietly."
"Are you sure you are not seeing things?" Jeong-hyang got up hurriedly and went to the door to look in the direction the girl was pointing. There was no one. If there was anyone there, he was already gone. "You are sure of what you saw?"
"Yes, omoni, what should we do?" Pokkot was fearful the intruder was up to no good. Would he hurt people in the house? "We should raise the alarm, shouldn't we?"
"Yes, come."
Jeong-hyang grasped hold of her hand and quickly made for Kyoung-mi's quarters in the other direction, hoping she would not be asleep yet though it was already past third watch. There was a glow coming from Kyoung-mi's room, she was glad to note. Softly, she called out. A pause. Kyoung-mi bid her to enter. Quickly, she pushed Pokkot into the room and made sure the door was secured before she appraised a startled Kyoung-mi of the prowler. The maid with her was hastily sent to rouse the servants as Kyoung-mi dressed, handing her son over to Jeong-hyang to hold for a moment. Before long there was the sound of voices, running footsteps and bobbing lights outside the door.
The roused servants quickly armed themselves with sticks and searched the anbang thoroughly before heading to the sarang. Not long after they had proceeded there, a commotion broke out. Kyoung-mi and Jeong-hyang looked at each other nervously when they heard shouts, recalling an incident many years ago when hired thugs had stolen into the Bae household to kill Yunbok. Was it a burglary or something else? Kyoung-mi held her son to her tightly, fearful that something might befall her husband as Jeong-hyang waited beside her. She glanced at Pokkot. She was not sitting beside her. Shocked, she looked to the door to see the girl peering out to see what was going on.
"No, Pokkot! Don't go out!"
A dark figure rounded the corner as the servants gave chase. Ahead of him, he saw a trio of servants coming into sight to cut him off. His pursuers were too close. He saw the girl at the door and reached out. His sword glinted as he readied it even as he reached out to grab the frozen girl whose terrified eyes were wide. But something came between him and his target. Startled, he could not stop his headlong lunge and he crashed into it. Hands reached out to haul him away from the two fallen figures beneath him even as Kyoung-mi hurried to the door, filled with dread.
"Jeong-hyang! Pokkot!"